Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment for A Better Night’s Rest

Ever found yourself waking up tired, even after a seemingly full night’s sleep? Do you often suffer from morning headaches, trouble concentrating, or frequent complaints from your partner about your snoring? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you might be a patient who has a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes referred to by its acronym, OSA. At Highland Dental Clinic, our provider, Dr. Blanca Fernandez, based in South Lakeland, Florida, not only educates patients about OSA but also provides effective treatments to those affected by it. Many patients who are living with obstructive sleep apnea are sometimes oblivious to their condition, which is why Dr. Blanca Fernandez is passionate about increasing awareness about this condition and improving a patient’s quality of life with effective treatment. Let’s look closely at obstructive sleep apnea to learn more!

What exactly is obstructive sleep apnea?

Dr. Blanca Fernandez describes obstructive sleep apnea as a condition where your airway, essential for proper breathing, gets blocked during sleep. This stops the oxygen supply to your brain, causing you to wake up. Although you might not notice these interruptions in your sleep, your body certainly does! What happens is that you wake up each morning believing you had a good night’s sleep when, in reality, your body is still craving for the deep rest it was deprived of. This ultimately will affect your daily life and performance at school and work.

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that can drastically impact your daily life and functionality. You might experience problems such as:

  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Weight gain
  • Chronic daytime fatigue
  • Increased anxiety and depression
  • Mood changes

Due to the wide overlap with symptoms of other medical conditions, obstructive sleep apnea often goes unnoticed. If neglected, this condition can cause a range of serious health problems to escalate, including increased potential for issues such as cardiovascular disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

What can be done to treat obstructive sleep apnea?

There’s good news! Once diagnosed, obstructive sleep apnea can be effectively treated. While the initial approach may involve a CPAP machine, these devices tend to be noisy and cumbersome, making sleep uncomfortable. Instead, Dr. Blanca Fernandez offers custom made oral appliances as an alternative treatment. These oral appliances adjust your jaw position, ensuring your airway stays open during sleep, allowing you to breathe freely without any interruptions.

Who can I reach to learn more about this condition?

Take a step towards a healthier life by scheduling an appointment with us today! Reach out to our team at Highland Dental Clinic by calling (863) 457-1954 to discuss your concerns with Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team. The office is conveniently located in South Lakeland, Florida, at 5163 US Highway 98.

Blanca Fernandez, DMD
Blanca Fernandez, DMD

Dr. Blanca Fernandez is a skilled dentist in Lakeland, FL. She studied general dentistry at the Colombian Dental College and studied prosthodontics and received a Master of Science at the Dentistry Foundation of San Martin in Bogota, Colombia. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery, Dr. Fernandez is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, and Polk County Dental Association.